​EDUCATION TOPICS

​MODERN TECH

Session 1: Fabricating Subwoofer Enclosures
Location:              Main Hall
First Group:         Monday March 7, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Second Group:    Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Total Time:           80 Minutes
​
Description:
In this exciting session, we jump right in to fabrication of a subwoofer enclosure; arguably the most popular fabricated item in custom sound system installation. Learn how to determine enclosure volume, including accounting for speaker displacement, internal bracing and more. Quickly make cut sheets and do the assembly, including cutting perfectly sized subwoofer holes. Participants learn how to add fabricated customizations to set their subwoofer enclosures apart and blend with the interior and vehicle themes for a professional appearance. This also includes many quick-access, important Pro Tips!
​
Topics covered:
• Enclosure calculations and materials
• Internal bracing and construction techniques
• Cutting circles for baffles and recessing the woofer
• Stack fab tricks for blended corners
• Pro Tips
Session 2: Building Great Car Audio Systems
Location:             Palo Verde 1 & 2
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Second Group:   Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Total Time:          80 Minutes

Description:
Learn audio system design principles and practices that deliver incredible results. Certain vehicle types and existing audio systems lend themselves to equipment choices and design configurations that make producing great sound much easier. We’ll cover speaker placement considerations, sound deadening, 2-way versus 3-way components, an overview of OEM system configurations for newer vehicles and much more. This also includes important Pro Tips for effective system design and the tools you’ll need to maximize your end result!

​Topics covered:
• System design considerations 
• Sound deadening – rattles and noise floor
• 2-way and 3-way component speaker setups
• OEM audio system types (active DSP channels, upmixer, etc.)
• Pro Tips

Session 3: Stitchless Finish Work
Location:             Palo Verde 1 & 2
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Second Group:   Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Total Time:          80 Minutes
​
Description:
Learn effective ways to mimic shapes and surfaces from the vehicle, such as making custom speaker adapters, panel geometry or other influences. Learn serviceable panel and parts attachment methodology with magnets and threaded hardware (no more drywall screws or screw caps!). See how to take a subwoofer enclosure and create an enhanced custom trim panel to add an even more integrated appearance blending multiple materials, all with a precision fit (no foam necessary to fill gaps!). Many more critical Pro Tips are included!
​
​Topics covered:
• Creating unique shapes with templates or existing vehicle parts
• Serviceable attachment methods 
• Seams, inlays and upholstering panels
• Gapping for different surface finishes/materials
• Pro Tips

LUNCH and Exhibit Floor follows Session 3 – Main Hall
Session 4: Deep Dive: Subwoofers and Power
Location:             Theater
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 4:30pm-6:00pm
Second Group:   Wednesday March 9, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am (next morning)
Total Time:          90 Minutes
​
Description: Pro Tips!

​Topics covered:
• Learn about in-vehicle transfer function
• Techniques to get the bass sounding up front
• Software-based enclosure design – eliminate the guesswork
• Amplifier power output, speaker power handling and ‘clipping’ explained• Pro Tips

MASTER DESIGN

Session 1:             The Design Studio
Location:              Theater
First Group:         Monday March 7, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Second Group:    Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Total Time:           80 Minutes
                                   
Description:
Every great vehicle build starts with a concept followed by an intentional design. Learn the principles of what constitutes good design in both Classic and Modern themes. Understand the process of sketching out a design on paper and transferring that to a digital sketch with easy-to-use software. Watch presenter Tom Miller show his process on a trunk design and discuss the details of why each element has a purpose in the overall design influence. Lots of Pro Tips to gather in this exciting design-focused session that set you up for the subsequent automation sessions!
 
Topics Covered:
• Conceptual design influences – easy-to-understand principles
• Design process – importance of having a plan
• Sketching a design – where it all begins
• Paper sketch to digital sketch – what’s the process?
• Trunk design/rendering overview
• Design themes – Classic versus Modern
• Pro Tips
Session 2:            The CAD Desk - 2D
Location:             Theater
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Second Group:   Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Total Time:         80 Minutes
                                                
Description:
Understanding the elements that bring design, software, materials and the CNC machinery is key to reducing the learning curve for those new to automation. Getting comfortable with the proper CAD/CAM software is the gateway to the ease of implementation on CNC routers and laser machines. Participants will see demonstrations of several applications that establish a simple process of the most valuable concepts. Using this design and automation technology will skyrocket a shop’s profitability and repeatability. Lots of extra helpful Pro Tips on what’s important to consider when getting started!
 
Topics covered:
• Learn the terminology common to 2D automation such as laser and CNC routers
• Choosing the proper CAD/CAM software for your needs and digital design experience
• Tools and methods for dust collection, air extraction, vacuum clamping and more
• Laser & CNC router examples, applications & Pro Tips
​Session 3:            The CAD Desk - 3D
Location:             Theater
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Second Group:   Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Total Time:          80 Minutes
                                                
Description:
A natural continuation of the 2D CAD/CAM automation is graduating to 3D modeling and machinery to create complete 3D parts (or sections of parts). This is common in rapid prototyping and saves hours of failed design attempts once the principles are understood and implemented effectively. Learn about the use of 3D scanning technology to capture real-time dimensional data from a vehicle or individual parts. Apply these tools and processes in your own small-batch production for highly customized solutions your clientele will simply not find elsewhere! Pro Tips from seasoned experts are a big part of this session!
​
Topics covered:
• Learn the terminology common to 3D automation such as five-axis CNC routers and 3D printing
• Choosing the proper 3D modeling software
• Scanning tools to capture the vehicle or part’s 3D dimensions
• Examples & applications of applying 2D and 3D automation
• Pro Tips
                                                                
LUNCH and Exhibit Floor follows Session 3 – Main Hall
Session 4:            Future FAB
Location:             Main Hall
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 4:30pm-6:00pm
Second Group:   Wednesday March 9, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am (next morning)
Total Time:          90 Minutes
                                                
Description:
This session is where the rubber hits the road. Join automation experts in the main hall on the exhibit floor for a comprehensive walk-through of CNC lasers, CNC routers and large-format 3D printers. Learn the ranges of machines that best suit your own plans for implementation and production capacity, as well as asking questions to the experts on hand. Get up to speed quickly and confidently! The amount of Pro Tips offered in this exciting session alone is unparalleled in the custom vehicle industry.
​
​Topics covered:
• Real-time examples of CNC Laser machines in operation
• Real-time examples of CNC Router machines in operation
• Real-time examples of Large-format 3D printers in operation
• Material, power requirements, how to budget and determining ROI
• Pro Tips along with in-depth Q&A throughout

SCHOOL OF FAB

Session 1:            Custom Panel Fabrication
Location:             Palo Verde 1 & 2
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Second Group:   Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Total Time:          80 Minutes
                                                
Description:
This session is an ideal start to get seasoned fabricators into a ‘next level’ mindset. Learn the important thought processes that simplify the fabrication tasks you’ll undertake, as well as give you pivot points in your designs to add more (or less) customization for a given time and cost budget. We’ll cover expanded uses of templates and Pro Tips to capture the vehicle geometry saving lots of time in the process. Discover how to design something that avoids added difficulty at the upholstery stage. Learn the importance of solid mounting methodologies to build panels from so your structural attachment points don’t need trimming or modification upon final fitting. This session is the basis upon which subsequent sessions are built and an essential part of being a fabricator above the rest!

​Topics covered:
• Learn important order of steps in the fabrication process
• Using templates and other tricks to capture the vehicle’s geometry
• Creating framework and repeatable base parts using templates
• Custom mounting brackets and panel attachment methodology
• Pro Tips
Session 2:            Metalcraft meets Plastics Fab
Location:             Main Hall
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Second Group:   Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Total Time:          80 Minutes
                                                
Description:
Learn enhanced 3D routing techniques and how to minimize multiple body working steps. Check out new ideas for accent lighting in multiple colors and panel layers to add dimension to your designs. Watch aluminum and plastics used in creative ways as panel inserts or visual cues that tie into the vehicle interior theme. Of course tons of Pro Tips throughout this session are shared, including many of the important materials used in the process of fabricating these creations!
​
Topics covered:
• 3D Routing – Tools and safety-focused techniques
• Make the most out of the bodywork stages – effective techniques
• Accent lighting and layering for maximum visual impact
• Creating unique trim inserts using aluminum and plastic elements
• Assembly of fabricated panels with an eye on longevity and serviceability
• Pro Tips and Material Recommendations
Session 3:            Elevated Finishes and Trims
Location:             Main Hall
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Second Group:   Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Total Time:          80 Minutes
                                                
Description:
This session is all about the finishes to lean into a particular unique design influence. Learn the tricks used by top fabrication pros that yield results as if the car manufacturer designed it that way. Shadow trim, paint tricks (marbling, faux wood grain, etc.), surface texturing, using wood-like veneers and much more are all part of this incredible session. Also learn the secrets to having panels look finished on the back side when removed for service as they do on the front. Get plenty of Pro Tips on prepping fabricated panels for perfect upholstery or final paint finishes.
​
Topics covered:
• Creating shadow trim features
• Surface texturing with paint
• Pressed metal grilles/inserts
• Wood veneer finishes
• Prepping for upholstery
• Pro Tips
Session 4:            Expert Automotive Upholstery
Location:             Palo Verde 1 & 2
Presenters:         Tracy Weaver, Jeremy Katz and JT Torres
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 4:30pm-6:00pm
Second Group:   Wednesday March 9, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am (next morning)
Total Time:          90 Minutes
​
Description:
Upholstery is the final step in any interior design and fabrication process. All of the previous sessions lead participants into this critically important finish. Watch a custom hot rod seat be fabricated and upholstered in real time. Learn some of the important secrets to using sewing machines to create seams and join patterned sections for a highly custom look. Discover even more important Pro Tips that experienced master upholstery professionals use every day. 
​
Topics covered:
• Working from an initial design sketch or rendering
• Upholstery materials of choice – for hard and soft panel finishes
• Patterning and stitching different seams
• Full seat fabrication from foam to upholstery
• Finishing techniques to ensure a cohesive appearance and more Pro Tips

THE BUSINESS OF SMALL BUSINESS

Session 1:           Business Development 101
Location:            Palo Verde 3
First Group:       Monday March 7, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Second Group:  Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Total Time:         80 Minutes
​
Description:
Do you every say the words “We don’t see those types of cars and/or clients here”. Is your store the “expected” 12V retail store? Join Larry Penn, President of MSC and its Proof-of-Concept Specialty Retail facility, as he explains their path to success in creating demand for their offerings from the exotic sport and luxury automotive market segment. On top of client acquisition, Larry will discuss the aspects of their business that aids in the retention of these clients and how this differs from traditional marketing strategies.
 
Larry will be joined by Miguel Calderoni, Sales Manager for Grand Touring Calgary, exclusive representative for the Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Lotus, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Pininfarina, and Rimac brands. Miguel will discuss the important elements required in building a fruitful relationship within this sector of the automotive world.
 
If you are looking for that “Extra Degree” this is a course that will help you separate yourself and become the “UnExpected”.
 
Topics Covered:
• Business Development
• Effectively Managing Projects
• Pro Tips
Session 2:            Business Development 202
Location:             Palo Verde 3
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Second Group:   Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Total Time:          80 Minutes

Description:
Course description TBD.

• Seizing Opportunity
• Branding Your Business
• Selling Expertise
• Pro Tips
Session 3:           Business Development 303
Location:            Palo Verde 3
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Second Group:   Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Total Time:         80 Minutes

Description:
Course description TBD.

• Deep Dive on Labor Valuations
• The Business Balance Sheet
• Pro Tips

LUNCH and Exhibit Floor follows Session 3 – Main Hall
Session 4:            Business Development 404
Location:             Palo Verde 3
First Group:        Monday March 7, 2022 – 4:30pm-6:00pm
Second Group:   Wednesday March 9, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am (next morning)
Total Time:          90 Minutes

Description:
Course description TBD.

• Getting the Right Customer
• Pro Tips

​An Event to Supercharge
​Your Skills

MasterTech Expo welcomes professionals from the entire automotive aftermarket, including:
  • 12-Volt Technicians
  • Fabricators
  • Upholsterers
  • Custom Builders
  • Business Owners & Managers
  • Sales & Marketing Professionals

Space to Learn, Network and Excel

MasterTech Expo takes place at the Mesa Convention Center, featuring over 100,000 square feet of manufacturer displays, product instruction and networking areas. Four rotating breakout rooms serve as classrooms to teach hands-on instruction. The connected host hotel will get you to your classes and events quickly.  

Instruction That Exceeds
​Your Comfort Zone

MasterTech Expo’s training series comprise four main topics that focus on the primary job descriptions of the automotive aftermarket: Technicians, Fabricators, Builders and Industry Professionals. This format allows you to immerse yourself in a skill that grows your value and capability.

Classes That Build on One Another

MasterTech Expo’s education tracks include four classes per topic. Each class is a prerequisite of the following class, and the instruction progresses learners through levels of complexity. The result is a full understanding of the topic and a certificate to celebrate your achievement. 

​John Samp

Sales & Installation Manager-Buyer
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ABT Electronics

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My team and I are looking forward to the event not only for the wealth of knowledge but up-close exposure to different approaches to problem-solving complex installations. Equally significant to us is connecting with other professionals in a community-minded atmosphere. Adopting a proactive approach to continuous learning is how we stay ahead of the competition.​

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Brady Siebert

Director of Sales
/
Cedar Electronics

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​I haven’t been this excited about an event in a long time. The thoughtful direction and level of professional instruction are unparalleled. All who attend will be better for it.​

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Alex Sinclair

Alex Sinclair
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West Coast Customs

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​​MasterTech training opened my eyes to new fabrication methods and motivated me to be better at my job every day. If not for attending multiple MasterTech sessions over the years, I’d never have had the opportunity to join the team of talented professionals at West Coast Customs. I’m looking forward to attending the MasterTech Expo in March 2022. The collaborative, hands-on nature of the training is a game-changing career boost and I highly recommend it.

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Tracy Weaver​

Owner
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Recovery Room Interiors

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​​As a 35-year veteran of award-winning automotive interior design and fabrication, I can say without question that MasterTech Expo is an event not to be missed. Regardless of one’s experience level or specialty skills, attendees will leave with the knowledge that makes you better. It’s that simple. The fact that the instructors and other like-minded professionals network as colleagues throughout the event are an incredible added benefit. MasterTech Expo is a truly special event that will shift your mindset into high gear.

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Milton Benavides

Owner
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Speed of Sound Technologies

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​​Attending past MasterTech training classes was an amazing experience! A clearly outlined curriculum, fabricating a class project, and the exposure to incredible tips and tricks from some of the best talent in the industry. MasterTech training guided us every step of the way and the manner in which topics are taught really made learning new fabrication techniques super simple! I am looking forward to attending MasterTech Expo to expand my learning, as well as rub elbows with fellow professionals with whom I’ve made lifelong friendships! MasterTech Expo is going to be a great experience!

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Adam Devine

Owner
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​Devine Concepts

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​​I view education and networking very seriously. It’s the foundation of your brand. MasterTech training has given me an exceptionally important impact on how clientele views us as professionals and for that I am thankful. Utilizing MasterTech training has elevated the level of aftermarket automotive professionals’ creativity and craftsmanship into high-end, in-house OEM-level manufacturing. I am tremendously excited to attend MasterTech Expo to further sharpen my skills and enhance profitability. It will now be part of my education rhythm going forward!

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The Hog Ring

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​“If you’re serious about taking your auto interior work to the next level, then you have to attend MasterTech Expo. It’s the only industry event where you’ll get hands-on training, exposure to new tools and methods, pro tips from elite designers, and invaluable networking opportunities all at the same time. Whether you do fabrication, upholstery, or audio — this event is for you. Don’t miss it!”

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The Hog Ring

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​“MasterTech Expo is a blast! The classes are small, hands-on, and fully engaging. In three days, you’ll learn pro-tips and trade secrets that would otherwise take you years to figure out on your own. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about new tools and products, as well as network with elite fabricators, upholsterers, and audio pros. Don’t miss it!”

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The Hog Ring

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​“If you only attend one industry event this year, make sure it’s MasterTech Expo. The event is designed for auto interior pros who want to take their fabrication, upholstery, and audio work to the next level. You’ll pick up loads of pro tips, discover new tools, learn time-saving methods, and more. Plus, you’ll get to meet elite designers whose work you’ve been admiring on Instagram for years. Don’t miss it!”

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